EVALUATION OF LEVELS OF THERMAL COMFORT IN LECTURE HALLS IN IMO STATE UNIVERSITY OWERRI, NIGERIA.

Due to the large amount of fossil fuel being used up to achieve thermal comfort in the tropics, the future of a healthy environment of the tropical region looks uncertain. To conserve fossil fuel energy and resources used to enhance indoor thermal comfort and reduce the incidence of global warming, calls for better understanding and application of passive design strategies and use of climate sensitive designs. This study is focused on the evaluation of levels of thermal comfort in lecture halls in Imo state University, Owerri. Lecture hall design is an important aspect to be considered by many as it much influences the health, productivity and entire performance of the students. Health symptoms like fatigue, headache, tiredness and aggressiveness are common scenario faced by students due to bad thermal comfort condition in lecture halls. As a result, it will affect the academic performance of the students as specific time is spent in lecture halls. The study population is made up of 3000 students in lecture halls in Imo state University, Owerri Imo State. Data were collected using the questionnaire and the data were analyzed using mean score statistics, frequencies and percentages. The data analysis and findings gathered are vital as they serve as key elements to understand the thermal condition of lecture halls in Imo state University, owerri. The study also proposes modifications that can be implemented to reduce the thermal discomfort in the lecture halls.